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The World: Beijing - International protests boost Chinese patriotism

Patriotism among Chinese consumers has been intensified by the international protests ahead of the Beijing Olympics, new research says.

Surveys by R3 and CSM into consumer behaviour suggest support for the
Games, which begin in August, is at an all-time high.

It shows that 90 per cent of the postings on popular websites reflect a
positive attitude towards the Games and the global progress of the
Olympic torch, which has been a target for protests over Tibet.

Consumers are hostile towards France, where protests over the torch were
especially fierce, CNN and the director Steven Spielberg, who withdrew
as artistic advisor for the Games' opening ceremony in protest at
China's policy on Darfur.